Showing papers on "Oxide published in 2016"

Improved air stability of perovskite solar cells via solution-processed metal oxide transport layers

Abstract: Lead halide perovskite solar cells have recently attracted tremendous attention because of their excellent photovoltaic efficiencies. However, the poor stability of both the perovskite material and the charge transport layers has so far prevented the fabrication of devices that can withstand sustained operation under normal conditions. Here, we report a solution-processed lead halide perovskite solar cell that has p-type NiOx and n-type ZnO nanoparticles as hole and electron transport layers, respectively, and shows improved stability against water and oxygen degradation when compared with devices with organic charge transport layers. Our cells have a p–i–n structure (glass/indium tin oxide/NiOx/perovskite/ZnO/Al), in which the ZnO layer isolates the perovskite and Al layers, thus preventing degradation. After 60 days storage in air at room temperature, our all-metal-oxide devices retain about 90% of their original efficiency, unlike control devices made with organic transport layers, which undergo a complete degradation after just 5 days. The initial power conversion efficiency of our devices is 14.6 ± 1.5%, with an uncertified maximum value of 16.1%. Using metal oxides for both the hole- and electron-transport layers in perovskite solar cells significantly improves their stability compared with devices containing organic transport layers.

A highly active and stable IrOx/SrIrO3 catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract: Oxygen electrochemistry plays a key role in renewable energy technologies such as fuel cells and electrolyzers, but the slow kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) limit the performance and commercialization of such devices. Here we report an iridium oxide/strontium iridium oxide (IrOx/SrIrO3) catalyst formed during electrochemical testing by strontium leaching from surface layers of thin films of SrIrO3 This catalyst has demonstrated specific activity at 10 milliamps per square centimeter of oxide catalyst (OER current normalized to catalyst surface area), with only 270 to 290 millivolts of overpotential for 30 hours of continuous testing in acidic electrolyte. Density functional theory calculations suggest the formation of highly active surface layers during strontium leaching with IrO3 or anatase IrO2 motifs. The IrOx/SrIrO3 catalyst outperforms known IrOx and ruthenium oxide (RuOx) systems, the only other OER catalysts that have reasonable activity in acidic electrolyte.

Partially oxidized atomic cobalt layers for carbon dioxide electroreduction to liquid fuel

Abstract: Electroreduction of CO2 into useful fuels, especially if driven by renewable energy, represents a potentially 'clean' strategy for replacing fossil feedstocks and dealing with increasing CO2 emissions and their adverse effects on climate. The critical bottleneck lies in activating CO2 into the CO2(•-) radical anion or other intermediates that can be converted further, as the activation usually requires impractically high overpotentials. Recently, electrocatalysts based on oxide-derived metal nanostructures have been shown to enable CO2 reduction at low overpotentials. However, it remains unclear how the electrocatalytic activity of these metals is influenced by their native oxides, mainly because microstructural features such as interfaces and defects influence CO2 reduction activity yet are difficult to control. To evaluate the role of the two different catalytic sites, here we fabricate two kinds of four-atom-thick layers: pure cobalt metal, and co-existing domains of cobalt metal and cobalt oxide. Cobalt mainly produces formate (HCOO(-)) during CO2 electroreduction; we find that surface cobalt atoms of the atomically thin layers have higher intrinsic activity and selectivity towards formate production, at lower overpotentials, than do surface cobalt atoms on bulk samples. Partial oxidation of the atomic layers further increases their intrinsic activity, allowing us to realize stable current densities of about 10 milliamperes per square centimetre over 40 hours, with approximately 90 per cent formate selectivity at an overpotential of only 0.24 volts, which outperforms previously reported metal or metal oxide electrodes evaluated under comparable conditions. The correct morphology and oxidation state can thus transform a material from one considered nearly non-catalytic for the CO2 electroreduction reaction into an active catalyst. These findings point to new opportunities for manipulating and improving the CO2 electroreduction properties of metal systems, especially once the influence of both the atomic-scale structure and the presence of oxide are mechanistically better understood.

Balancing surface adsorption and diffusion of lithium-polysulfides on nonconductive oxides for lithium-sulfur battery design.

Abstract: Lithium-sulfur batteries have attracted attention due to their six-fold specific energy compared with conventional lithium-ion batteries. Dissolution of lithium polysulfides, volume expansion of sulfur and uncontrollable deposition of lithium sulfide are three of the main challenges for this technology. State-of-the-art sulfur cathodes based on metal-oxide nanostructures can suppress the shuttle-effect and enable controlled lithium sulfide deposition. However, a clear mechanistic understanding and corresponding selection criteria for the oxides are still lacking. Herein, various nonconductive metal-oxide nanoparticle-decorated carbon flakes are synthesized via a facile biotemplating method. The cathodes based on magnesium oxide, cerium oxide and lanthanum oxide show enhanced cycling performance. Adsorption experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that polysulfide capture by the oxides is via monolayered chemisorption. Moreover, we show that better surface diffusion leads to higher deposition efficiency of sulfide species on electrodes. Hence, oxide selection is proposed to balance optimization between sulfide-adsorption and diffusion on the oxides.

Bifunctional non-noble metal oxide/chalcogenide nanoparticle electrocatalysts through lithium-induced conversion for overall water-splitting

Abstract: Described here is a method for improving the catalytic activity of an electrocatalyst, comprising subjecting the electrocatalyst to 1-10 galvanostatic lithiation/delithiation cycles, wherein the electrocatalyst comprises at least one transition metal oxide (TMO) or transition metal chalcogenide (TMC). Also described here is an electrocatalyst and a water-splitting device comprising the electrocatalyst.

Charge-compensation in 3d-transition-metal-oxide intercalation cathodes through the generation of localized electron holes on oxygen

Abstract: During the charging and discharging of lithium-ion-battery cathodes through the de- and reintercalation of lithium ions, electroneutrality is maintained by transition-metal redox chemistry, which limits the charge that can be stored. However, for some transition-metal oxides this limit can be broken and oxygen loss and/or oxygen redox reactions have been proposed to explain the phenomenon. We present operando mass spectrometry of (18)O-labelled Li1.2[Ni0.13(2+)Co0.13(3+)Mn0.54(4+)]O2, which demonstrates that oxygen is extracted from the lattice on charging a Li1.2[Ni0.13(2+)Co0.13(3+)Mn0.54(4+)]O2 cathode, although we detected no O2 evolution. Combined soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy, resonant inelastic X-ray scattering spectroscopy, X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy demonstrates that, in addition to oxygen loss, Li(+) removal is charge compensated by the formation of localized electron holes on O atoms coordinated by Mn(4+) and Li(+) ions, which serve to promote the localization, and not the formation, of true O2(2-) (peroxide, O-O ~1.45 A) species. The quantity of charge compensated by oxygen removal and by the formation of electron holes on the O atoms is estimated, and for the case described here the latter dominates.

Coupled molybdenum carbide and reduced graphene oxide electrocatalysts for efficient hydrogen evolution

Abstract: Electrochemical water splitting is one of the most economical and sustainable methods for large-scale hydrogen production. However, the development of low-cost and earth-abundant non-noble-metal catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction remains a challenge. Here we report a two-dimensional coupled hybrid of molybdenum carbide and reduced graphene oxide with a ternary polyoxometalate-polypyrrole/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite as a precursor. The hybrid exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction and excellent stability in acidic media, which is, to the best of our knowledge, the best among these reported non-noble-metal catalysts. Theoretical calculations on the basis of density functional theory reveal that the active sites for hydrogen evolution stem from the pyridinic nitrogens, as well as the carbon atoms, in the graphene. In a proof-of-concept trial, an electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution is fabricated, which may open new avenues for the design of nanomaterials utilizing POMs/conducting polymer/reduced-graphene oxide nanocomposites.

N,P-Codoped Carbon Networks as Efficient Metal-free Bifunctional Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction and Hydrogen Evolution Reactions.

Abstract: The high cost and scarcity of noble metal catalysts, such as Pt, have hindered the hydrogen production from electrochemical water splitting, the oxygen reduction in fuel cells and batteries. Herein, we developed a simple template-free approach to three-dimensional porous carbon networks codoped with nitrogen and phosphorus by pyrolysis of a supermolecular aggregate of self-assembled melamine, phytic acid, and graphene oxide (MPSA/GO). The pyrolyzed MPSA/GO acted as the first metal-free bifunctional catalyst with high activities for both oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution. Zn-air batteries with the pyrolyzed MPSA/GO air electrode showed a high peak power density (310 W g(-1) ) and an excellent durability. Thus, the pyrolyzed MPSA/GO is a promising bifunctional catalyst for renewable energy technologies, particularly regenerative fuel cells.

A nickel iron diselenide-derived efficient oxygen-evolution catalyst

Abstract: Efficient oxygen-evolution reaction catalysts are required for the cost-effective generation of solar fuels. Metal selenides have been reported as promising oxygen-evolution catalysts; however, their active forms are yet to be elucidated. Here we show that a representative selenide catalyst, nickel selenide, is entirely converted into nickel hydroxide under oxygen-evolution conditions. This result indicates that metal selenides are unstable during oxygen evolution, and the in situ generated metal oxides are responsible for their activity. This knowledge inspired us to synthesize nanostructured nickel iron diselenide, a hitherto unknown metal selenide, and to use it as a templating precursor to a highly active nickel iron oxide catalyst. This selenide-derived oxide catalyses oxygen evolution with an overpotential of only 195 mV for 10 mA cm(-2). Our work underscores the importance of identifying the active species of oxygen-evolution catalysts, and demonstrates how such knowledge can be applied to develop better catalysts.

Oxide Defect Engineering Enables to Couple Solar Energy into Oxygen Activation

Abstract: Modern development of chemical manufacturing requires a substantial reduction in energy consumption and catalyst cost. Sunlight-driven chemical transformation by metal oxides holds great promise for this goal; however, it remains a grand challenge to efficiently couple solar energy into many catalytic reactions. Here we report that defect engineering on oxide catalyst can serve as a versatile approach to bridge light harvesting with surface reactions by ensuring species chemisorption. The chemisorption not only spatially enables the transfer of photoexcited electrons to reaction species, but also alters the form of active species to lower the photon energy requirement for reactions. In a proof of concept, oxygen molecules are activated into superoxide radicals on defect-rich tungsten oxide through visible-near-infrared illumination to trigger organic aerobic couplings of amines to corresponding imines. The excellent efficiency and durability for such a highly important process in chemical transformation can otherwise be virtually impossible to attain by counterpart materials.

High Ionic Conductivity of Composite Solid Polymer Electrolyte via In Situ Synthesis of Monodispersed SiO2 Nanospheres in Poly(ethylene oxide).

Abstract: High ionic conductivity solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) has long been desired for the next generation high energy and safe rechargeable lithium batteries. Among all of the SPEs, composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) with ceramic fillers has garnered great interest due to the enhancement of ionic conductivity. However, the high degree of polymer crystallinity, agglomeration of ceramic fillers, and weak polymer–ceramic interaction limit the further improvement of ionic conductivity. Different from the existing methods of blending preformed ceramic particles with polymers, here we introduce an in situ synthesis of ceramic filler particles in polymer electrolyte. Much stronger chemical/mechanical interactions between monodispersed 12 nm diameter SiO2 nanospheres and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) chains were produced by in situ hydrolysis, which significantly suppresses the crystallization of PEO and thus facilitates polymer segmental motion for ionic conduction. In addition, an improved degree of LiClO4 dissociati...

High-quality graphene via microwave reduction of solution-exfoliated graphene oxide

Abstract: Efficient exfoliation of graphite in solutions to obtain high-quality graphene flakes is desirable for printable electronics, catalysis, energy storage, and composites. Graphite oxide with large lateral dimensions has an exfoliation yield of ~100%, but it has not been possible to completely remove the oxygen functional groups so that the reduced form of graphene oxide (GO; reduced form: rGO) remains a highly disordered material. Here we report a simple, rapid method to reduce GO into pristine graphene using 1- to 2-second pulses of microwaves. The desirable structural properties are translated into mobility values of >1000 square centimeters per volt per second in field-effect transistors with microwave-reduced GO (MW-rGO) as the channel material and into particularly high activity for MW-rGO catalyst support toward oxygen evolution reactions.

Metal–organic framework-based CoP/reduced graphene oxide: high-performance bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting

Abstract: Efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), especially bifunctional catalysts for overall water splitting, are highly desired. In this work, with rationally designed sandwich-type metal–organic framework/graphene oxide as a template and precursor, a layered CoP/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite has been successfully prepared via pyrolysis and a subsequent phosphating process. The resultant CoP/rGO-400 exhibits excellent HER activity in acid solution. More importantly, the catalyst manifests excellent catalytic performances for both the HER and OER in basic solution. Therefore, it can be utilized as a bifunctional catalyst on both the anode and cathode for overall water splitting in basic media, even displaying superior activity to that of the integrated Pt/C and IrO2 catalyst couple.

Occurrence of radical and nonradical pathways from carbocatalysts for aqueous and nonaqueous catalytic oxidation

Abstract: Metal-free activation of superoxides provides an efficient and environmentally benign strategy for heterogeneous catalytic oxidation. In this study, nanocarbons with varying carbon-conjugation structures and functional groups were investigated for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. It was discovered that radical and nonradical oxidations could occur on different carbocatalysts depending on the carbon structure. Radical oxidation occurs exclusively on MWCNTs and CMK-3, similar to a metal oxide, MnO2. Both radical and nonradical oxidations are very pronounced in nanodiamond (AND-900)/PMS whilst nonradical oxidation is dominated in reduced graphene oxide (rGO-900)/PMS. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to explore the PMS adsorption and O O bond activation on the different carbon configurations for an in-depth probe of the activation mechanism. The intact sp2-conjugated π system in MWCNTs and electron-rich ketonic groups (as Lewis basic sites) in CMK-3 can stimulate PMS dissociation to generate SO4 − and OH, similar to metal-based catalysts. However, the defective edges at the boundary of carbon network are able to facilitate the organic degradation without generation of the reactive radicals, which is well supported by both experiments and the DFT calculation. The emerging nonradical oxidation induced by the carbocatalysis is superior to the radical oxidation on most metal oxides for effective degradation of various organics. The influences of solution pH, various anions (H2PO42−, HCO3− and Cl−) and background organic matters (humic acid) on the nonradical oxidation were further evaluated. The nonradical oxidation on carbocatalysts can be utilized as a green and effective oxidation strategy for aqueous environmental remediation and nonaqueous phase oxidation.

Engineering surface atomic structure of single-crystal cobalt (II) oxide nanorods for superior electrocatalysis.

Abstract: Engineering the surface structure at the atomic level can be used to precisely and effectively manipulate the reactivity and durability of catalysts. Here we report tuning of the atomic structure of one-dimensional single-crystal cobalt (II) oxide (CoO) nanorods by creating oxygen vacancies on pyramidal nanofacets. These CoO nanorods exhibit superior catalytic activity and durability towards oxygen reduction/evolution reactions. The combined experimental studies, microscopic and spectroscopic characterization, and density functional theory calculations reveal that the origins of the electrochemical activity of single-crystal CoO nanorods are in the oxygen vacancies that can be readily created on the oxygen-terminated {111} nanofacets, which favourably affect the electronic structure of CoO, assuring a rapid charge transfer and optimal adsorption energies for intermediates of oxygen reduction/evolution reactions. These results show that the surface atomic structure engineering is important for the fabrication of efficient and durable electrocatalysts.

High-efficient Synthesis of Graphene Oxide Based on Improved Hummers Method

Abstract: As an important precursor and derivate of graphene, graphene oxide (GO) has received wide attention in recent years. However, the synthesis of GO in an economical and efficient way remains a great challenge. Here we reported an improved NaNO3-free Hummers method by partly replacing KMnO4 with K2FeO4 and controlling the amount of concentrated sulfuric acid. As compared to the existing NaNO3-free Hummers methods, this improved routine greatly reduces the reactant consumption while keeps a high yield. The obtained GO was characterized by various techniques, and its derived graphene aerogel was demonstrated as high-performance supercapacitor electrodes. This improved synthesis shows good prospects for scalable production and applications of GO and its derivatives.

In Situ Raman Spectroscopy of Copper and Copper Oxide Surfaces during Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution Reaction: Identification of CuIII Oxides as Catalytically Active Species

Abstract: Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, in situ Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) were used to investigate the electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on Cu, Cu2O, Cu(OH)2, and CuO catalysts. Aqueous 0.1 M KOH was used as the electrolyte. All four catalysts were oxidized or converted to CuO and Cu(OH)2 during a slow anodic sweep of cyclic voltammetry and exhibited similar activities for the OER. A Raman peak at 603 cm–1 appeared for all the four samples at OER-relevant potentials, ≥1.62 V vs RHE. This peak was identified as the Cu–O stretching vibration band of a CuIII oxide, a metastable species whose existence is dependent on the applied potential. Since this frequency matches well with that from a NaCuIIIO2 standard, we suggest that the chemical composition of the CuIII oxide is CuO2–-like. The four catalysts, in stark contrast, did not oxidize the same way during direct chronoamperometry measurement...

Graphene-β-Ga2O3 Heterojunction for Highly Sensitive Deep UV Photodetector Application

Abstract: A deep UV light photodetector is assembled by coating multilayer graphene on beta-gallium oxide (β-Ga2 O3 ) wafer. Optoelectronic analysis reveals that the heterojunction device is virtually blind to light illumination with wavelength longer than 280 nm, but is highly sensitive to 254 nm light with very good stability and reproducibility.

Mechanistic Insights on Ternary Ni2−xCoxP for Hydrogen Evolution and Their Hybrids with Graphene as Highly Efficient and Robust Catalysts for Overall Water Splitting

Abstract: Searching the high-efficient, stable, and earth-abundant electrocatalysts to replace the precious noble metals holds the promise for practical utilizations of hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER). Here, a series of highly active and robust Co-doped nickel phosphides (Ni2−xCoxP) catalysts and their hybrids with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are developed as bifunctional catalysts for both HER and OER. The Co-doping in Ni2P and their hybridization with rGO effectively regulate the catalytic activity of the surface active sites, accelerate the charge transfer, and boost their superior catalytic activity. Density functional theory calculations show that the Co-doped catalysts deliver the moderate trapping of atomic hydrogen and facile desorption of the generated H2 due to the H-poisoned surface active sites of Ni2−xCoxP under the real catalytic process. Electrochemical measurements reveal the high HER efficiency and durability of the NiCoP/rGO hybrids in electrolytes with pH 0–14. Coupled with the remarkable and robust OER activity of the NiCoP/rGO hybrids, the practical utilization of the NiCoP/rGO‖NiCoP/rGO for overall water splitting yields a catalytic current density of 10 mA cm−2 at 1.59 V over 75 h without an obvious degradation and Faradic efficiency of ≈100% in a two-electrode configuration and 1.0 m KOH.

Tuning the Selectivity of Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction toward Ethanol on Oxide-Derived CuxZn Catalysts

Abstract: The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to ethanol (C2H5OH) and ethylene (C2H4) using renewable electricity is a viable method for the production of these commercially vital chemicals. Copper (Cu) and its oxides are by far the most effective electrocatalysts for this purpose. However, the formation of ethanol using these catalysts is generally less favored in comparison to that of ethylene. In this work, we demonstrate that the selectivity of CO2 reduction toward ethanol could be tuned by introducing a cocatalyst to generate an in situ source of mobile CO reactant. Cu-based oxides with different amounts of Zn dopants (Cu, Cu10Zn, Cu4Zn, and Cu2Zn) were prepared and used as catalysts under ambient pressure in aqueous 0.1 M KHCO3 electrolyte. By varying the amount of Zn in the bimetallic catalysts, we found that the selectivity of ethanol versus ethylene production, defined by the ratio of their Faradaic efficiencies (FEethanol/FEethylene), could be tuned by a factor of up to ∼12.5. Ethanol fo...

Pure and multi metal oxide nanoparticles: synthesis, antibacterial and cytotoxic properties

Abstract: Th antibacterial activity of metal oxide nanoparticles has received marked global attention as they can be specifically synthesized to exhibit significant toxicity to bacteria. The importance of their application as antibacterial agents is evident keeping in mind the limited range and effectiveness of antibiotics, on one hand, and the plethora of metal oxides, on the other, along with the propensity of nanoparticles to induce resistance being much lower than that of antibiotics. Effective inhibition against a wide range of bacteria is well known for several nano oxides consisting of one metal (Fe3O4, TiO2, CuO, ZnO), whereas, research in the field of multi-metal oxides still demands extensive exploration. This is understandable given that the relationship between physicochemical properties and biological activity seems to be complex and difficult to generalize even for metal oxide nanoparticles consisting of only one metal component. Also, despite the broad scope that metal oxide nanoparticles have as antibacterial agents, there arise problems in practical applications taking into account the cytotoxic effects. In this respect, the consideration of polymetallic oxides for biological applications becomes even greater since these can provide synergetic effects and unify the best physicochemical properties of their components. For instance, strong antibacterial efficiency specific of one metal oxide can be complemented by non-cytotoxicity of another. This review presents the main methods and technological advances in fabrication of nanostructured metal oxides with a particular emphasis to multi-metal oxide nanoparticles, their antibacterial effects and cytotoxicity.

Generic Synthesis of Carbon Nanotube Branches on Metal Oxide Arrays Exhibiting Stable High-Rate and Long-Cycle Sodium-Ion Storage

Abstract: A new and generic strategy to construct interwoven carbon nanotube (CNT) branches on various metal oxide nanostructure arrays (exemplified by V2 O3 nanoflakes, Co3 O4 nanowires, Co3 O4 -CoTiO3 composite nanotubes, and ZnO microrods), in order to enhance their electrochemical performance, is demonstrated for the first time. In the second part, the V2 O3 /CNTs core/branch composite arrays as the host for Na(+) storage are investigated in detail. This V2 O3 /CNTs hybrid electrode achieves a reversible charge storage capacity of 612 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 A g(-1) and outstanding high-rate cycling stability (a capacity retention of 100% after 6000 cycles at 2 A g(-1) , and 70% after 10 000 cycles at 10 A g(-1) ). Kinetics analysis reveals that the Na(+) storage is a pseudocapacitive dominating process and the CNTs improve the levels of pseudocapacitive energy by providing a conductive network.

Counting electrons on supported nanoparticles

Abstract: Electronic interactions between metal nanoparticles and oxide supports control the functionality of nanomaterials, for example, the stability, the activity and the selectivity of catalysts. Such interactions involve electron transfer across the metal/support interface. In this work we quantify this charge transfer on a well-defined platinum/ceria catalyst at particle sizes relevant for heterogeneous catalysis. Combining synchrotron-radiation photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy and density functional calculations we show that the charge transfer per Pt atom is largest for Pt particles of around 50 atoms. Here, approximately one electron is transferred per ten Pt atoms from the nanoparticle to the support. For larger particles, the charge transfer reaches its intrinsic limit set by the support. For smaller particles, charge transfer is partially suppressed by nucleation at defects. These mechanistic and quantitative insights into charge transfer will help to make better use of particle size effects and electronic metal-support interactions in metal/oxide nanomaterials.

Palladium-tin catalysts for the direct synthesis of H2O2 with high selectivity

Abstract: The direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from H2 and O2 represents a potentially atom-efficient alternative to the current industrial indirect process. We show that the addition of tin to palladium catalysts coupled with an appropriate heat treatment cycle switches off the sequential hydrogenation and decomposition reactions, enabling selectivities of >95% toward H2O2. This effect arises from a tin oxide surface layer that encapsulates small Pd-rich particles while leaving larger Pd-Sn alloy particles exposed. We show that this effect is a general feature for oxide-supported Pd catalysts containing an appropriate second metal oxide component, and we set out the design principles for producing high-selectivity Pd-based catalysts for direct H2O2 production that do not contain gold.

Molybdenum Disulfide/Nitrogen‐Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite with Enlarged Interlayer Spacing for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract: Facile design of low-cost and highly active catalysts from earth-abundant elements is favorable for the industrial application of water splitting. Here, a simple strategy to synthesize an ultrathin molybdenum disulfide/nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (MoS2/N-RGO-180) nanocomposite with the enlarged interlayer spacing of 9.5 A by a one-step hydrothermal method is reported. The synergistic effects between the layered MoS2 nanosheets and N-doped RGO films contribute to the high activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). MoS2/N-RGO-180 exhibits the excellent catalytic activity with a low onset potential of −5 mV versus reversible hydrogen elelctrode (RHE), a small Tafel slope of 41.3 mV dec−1, a high exchange current density of 7.4 × 10−4 A cm−2, and good stability over 5 000 cycles under acidic conditions. The HER performance of MoS2/N-RGO-180 nanocomposite is superior to the most reported MoS2-based catalysts, especially its onset potential and exchange current density. In this work, a novel and simple method to the preparation of low-cost MoS2-based electrocatalysts with the extraordinary HER performance is presented.

Room temperature lithium superionic conductivity in high entropy oxides

Abstract: Impedance spectroscopy measurements evidence superionic Li+ mobility (>10−3 S cm−1) at room temperature and fast ionic mobility for Na+ (5 × 10−6 S cm−1) in high entropy oxides, a new family of oxide-based materials with the general formula (MgCoNiCuZn)1−x−yGayAxO (with A = Li, Na, K). Structural investigations indicate that the conduction path probably involves oxygen vacancies.

Water Splitting and CO2 Reduction under Visible Light Irradiation Using Z-Scheme Systems Consisting of Metal Sulfides, CoOx-Loaded BiVO4, and a Reduced Graphene Oxide Electron Mediator.

Abstract: Metal sulfides are highly active photocatalysts for water reduction to form H2 under visible light irradiation, whereas they are unfavorable for water oxidation to form O2 because of severe self-photooxidation (i.e., photocorrosion). Construction of a Z-scheme system is a useful strategy to split water into H2 and O2 using such photocorrosive metal sulfides because the photogenerated holes in metal sulfides are efficiently transported away. Here, we demonstrate powdered Z-schematic water splitting under visible light and simulated sunlight irradiation by combining metal sulfides as an H2-evolving photocatalyst, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as an electron mediator, and a visible-light-driven BiVO4 as an O2-evolving photocatalyst. This Z-schematic photocatalyst composite is also active in CO2 reduction using water as the sole electron donor under visible light.

Thermal and Environmental Stability of Semi-Transparent Perovskite Solar Cells for Tandems Enabled by a Solution-Processed Nanoparticle Buffer Layer and Sputtered ITO Electrode.

Abstract: A sputtered oxide layer enabled by a solution-processed oxide nanoparticle buffer layer to protect underlying layers is used to make semi-transparent perovskite solar cells. Single-junction semi-transparent cells are 12.3% efficient, and mechanically stacked tandems on silicon solar cells are 18.0% efficient. The semi-transparent perovskite solar cell has a T 80 lifetime of 124 h when operated at the maximum power point at 100 °C without additional sealing in ambient atmosphere under visible illumination.